Tragic Floods Claim Lives in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Thu Jul 03 2025 08:59:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Tragic Floods Claim Lives in Eastern Cape, South Africa

Severe weather leads to devastating floods, resulting in nearly 50 fatalities, including schoolchildren.


In a heartbreaking turn of events, recent floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province have left at least 49 individuals dead, as torrential rains wreak havoc across the region.


Heavy rains and snowfall have led to catastrophic flooding in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, claiming the lives of at least 49 people, including several schoolchildren. According to provincial Premier Oscar Mabuyane, the number of fatalities is rising as the situation escalates.

Tragically, among the deceased are four children, alongside a bus driver and conductor, all victims of a bus swept away by floodwaters while crossing a bridge in Mthatha on Tuesday morning. Rescue operations are ongoing for four more children who were passengers on the bus. The vehicle has since been located on a riverbank, empty of occupants.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that three children were rescued alive, discovered clinging to trees amidst the flooding. Reports confirmed that 13 individuals were onboard the bus, with 11 being schoolchildren.

In an effort to manage the crisis, Mr. Mabuyane visited the area to observe rescue operations and engage with affected communities in the nearby village of Decoligny. Hundreds have been displaced from their homes, many forced to seek refuge in makeshift shelters. The premier commended local residents for their assistance in rescue operations and for alerting neighbors as the floods intensified.

More than 58 schools have been impacted across multiple districts in the Eastern Cape, including OR Tambo, Amathole, and Alfred Nzo. Mabuyane expressed that the scale of the disaster was unprecedented in his lifetime.

Across the neighboring KwaZulu-Natal province, 68 schools have reported damage, though no fatalities have been recorded there. The inclement weather conditions, including heavy snow and gale-force winds, have plunged nearly 500,000 homes into darkness, with state-owned power provider Eskom working diligently to restore electricity.

In a show of solidarity, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences to the grieving families while urging citizens to exercise caution and cooperation as the severe winter weather continues to impact various regions.

The Eastern Cape, known as the birthplace of anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela, has been notably affected by the severe weather conditions, alongside KwaZulu-Natal province, leading to major road closures to mitigate further casualties.

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